New federal mandate could mean $45 billion in nationwide waterpipe replacements

Federal standards on lead levels in drinking water could soon mean a nationwide overhaul of existing underground water pipes, a project that would cost billions, according to States Newsroom. States are concerned however that the deadline given to complete the work – just 10 years – is an impossible task without substantial government support.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued the rule in October, stating that all lead service lines need to be replaced. Some water system operators have said this causes confusion over who is responsible for replacement costs, since water lines extend under private property. The EPA claims that likely more than 9 million service lines contain unsafe levels of lead, which can lead to significant health problems, especially if corrosion is present.

Financial strain

The EPA provided estimates that the cost to replace unsafe pipes across the U.S. could reach up to $45 billion. An analysis by the American Water Works Association, a coalition of water system operators, estimated double that amount — $90 billion.

Costs and deadlines are top of mind for local governments, but the EPA stresses that public health concerns are far more pressing. As reported by States Newsroom, a federal analysis estimated that replacing the lead pipes could prevent 1,500 cases of premature heart disease deaths and prevent close to one million infants from low birthweight complications.

Through a 2021 infrastructure law passed by Congress, $15 billion has been allocated for service line replacement, and state funds provide an additional $11.7 billion to be used for line replacement. Some communities have been able to make strong headway on pipe replacement through use of these funds, while others are still in the inventory phase to assess their lead pipes and scope of work needed.

A large-scale problem

Chicago, which has more lead pipes than any other U.S. city, has been granted an extended deadline of 20 years by the EPA, but it won’t be enough, say officials.

Randy Conner, commissioner of the Chicago Dept. of Water Management told States Newsroom the city is hoping for more federal and state support to avoid placing a heavy burden on ratepayers.

Still more state and local officials claim that Congress is reallocating funding from two critical loan programs for their own district projects, leaving communities that need funding the most out to dry. In addition to funding concerns, officials are also facing potential workforce and supply chain shortages, and homeowner opposition as work gets underway.

 

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